Do we blame the occupiers? Tristan Markle writes:

It is not the organizers of Occupy Vancouver who decided what “the issues” are, or who drew up a set of pre-determined “demands.” The issues were already there, and the protest simply opened a fissure through which the nightmare of reality bubbled through. The “tension” created by Occupy Vancouver is the tension of a city forced to deal with its problems.

What we are witnessing is the shadow of Vancouver, one of the world’s “most livable cities.” It is the same shadow that revealed itself after the Canucks lost the Stanley Cup, and the streets burned with inexplicable rage. This is the shadow that we have repressed, and is now returning with a vengeance.

To all those who have condemned the movement for losing its way, please consider: no one likes to look their shadow in the face. And yet if we can learn to accept it, to integrate it, learn from it, our shadow can heal our city in ways we have never known.

hattip Wiretap mag

Great video offering tips on holding someone accountable for their racist actions (rather than their supposed racist “nature”).

Reminds me of how my Dad used to tell me to rephrase calling someone “stupid.” He’d say “Don’t call them stupid. Call the action stupid.” Which seen in this light, makes a lot of sense.

A hyper-green friend of mine, Emily Jubenvill, is stepping up her proactive nature and organizing Vancouver’s first ‘pod mob’ to encourage businesses to go sustainable.

From the CBC article that covered the story:

The group calls its strategy a “podmob,” an idea that originated with a San Francisco group named Carrotmob, which aims to improve the environment by promoting socially responsible choices in businesses, Jubenvill said.

Here in Vancouver, they’re convinced Sushi Bento Express to commit 31% of their revenue from November 20th to greening their restaurant.

Where: 1258 Robson Street (between Jervis and Bute)
When: Thursday, November 20th – 11:30am to 11:00pm
Who: YOU and all your friends!

For more info, read Emily’s post here.

I confess, I’m not a sushi fan (I know!) but I’ve committed to dropping in on the pod mobbing action. Maybe I can challenge other Vancouver bloggers like Miss 604, Matthew Good, Ian Bell, Megan Cole, and Darren Barefoot to come by or at least blog the fun?